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At a Masonic lodge in Thibodaux, community organizations came together in the name of Christmas and for children Sunday to distribute gifts, provide fellowship and support with a special bike give-away, offerings of food and celebration in song.
“It is so important for us to do whatever is necessary within means we have been able to pull together, and I am so appreciative of the resources,” said Thibodaux City Councilwoman Constance Johnson, who began the event 10 years ago with her Circle of Hope organization, which began six years before that.
About 250 people attended the event held at the St. Joseph Lodge on Lagarde Street. What started as a small gathering at which food baskets were distributed has since become a broader event for the community at large, with numerous giveaways of pajamas and other essentials for adults as well as children.
Santa – with the cooperation of Egerald Nelson – was on hand as well. The Delta Sigma Theta Sorority was among the community organizations that aided with the children, at a party that included DJ music and plenty of fresh-cooked food.
“There was love and celebration and unity,” Johnson said.
Chief Bryan Zeringue and Capt. Calvin Cooks of the Thibodaux Police Department were on hand with brand new bicycles for children.
Worshipful Master Alton Williams was one of the event’s hosts. It is traditionally held at the historic lodge building.
In another bayou region community Terrebonne Parish Councilwoman Arlanda Williams was among the celebrants at a party for children at the Louis Infant Crisis Center on La. 311.
The children there were treated to a visit from Santa and a distribution of gifts.
“It was beautiful,” said Williams. “Just seeing their little faces, seeing the thankful children. I love Christmas. It put a little more Christmas spirit into me to know that we were making kids so happy.”
Williams does four different giveaways, one in Gray, one at the Infant Crisis Center, another in Gibson and a special giveaway at The Haven in Houma.
Carolyn McNabb, director of the Louis Infant Center, said the party there put her in the Christmas spirit.
Lloyd Stewart from the Houma Boxing Gym was on hand and taught children some combinations. As a result Williams has offered to sponsor one of the Infant Center children at Stewart’s gym, which focuses on boxing as a discipline.
“Our community is so good to our children,” said McNabb, who said the love Terrebonne shows to the children in the center is proof of its big heart, and proof that they are loved.” •
